Cycle to Work Day Takes Off at the Port of Southampton

September 15, 2017

PEDAL power came to the Port of Southampton this week with a Cycle to Work Day event where cyclists were able to get their bikes checked out to ensure they stay safe on our roads.The Cycle to Work Day event saw free bike MOTs being carried out in the eastern and western docks and cyclists picked up a range of goodies ranging from saddle covers to bells.ABP Southampton Environment Manager Sue Simmonite said the port was delighted to have hosted the Sustrans and My Journey teams on National Cycle to Work Day.“The benefits of cycling are well known and include overall increased wellbeing, improved physical and mental health and it is a great way to meet new people.“We have recently introduced bike boxes for the safe storage of bikes at the Port and we are looking forward to upgrading the cycle lane infrastructure and working alongside Southampton City Council to improve the options for sustainable travel for employees and visitors alike,” she said.Councillor Jacqui Rayment Cabinet Member Environment & Transport and Deputy Leader of Southampton City Council said “I’m really proud to see that so many people who live and work in the city are choosing to take up sustainable travel as part of their commute – especially on Cycle to Work Day. "It’s great to see local businesses and employers encouraging their employees to consider cycling which helps contribute to better air quality in Southampton.”An Increasing number of companies at the Port of Southampton are encouraging their staff to get on their bikes.Dave Hayden, HSEO Manager at the Wallenius Wilhelmsen Terminal on the Port of Southampton, explained the Cycle to Work scheme, which allows you to get a bike worth up to £1,000 plus safety equipment through your employer, had directly resulted in a 9 per cent decrease in absenteeism within their workforce. “Since the scheme started 18% of our workforce has joined the scheme that started 9 months ago. The health benefits are obvious and there are so many of them, it is a bit of a no-brainer. “There are also the financial benefits that can really mount up. The saving on fuel you can make over a year is substantial and the financial incentive is often enough to keep people cycling,” he said.